Loting

Loting is a term used in several contexts to describe the process of dividing or grouping items into discrete units called lots. The exact meaning depends on the field, but the common idea is the creation of defined units for ownership, sale, processing, or random selection.

In urban planning and real estate, loting denotes subdividing a tract of land into smaller parcels for individual ownership and development. The process typically involves surveying, plat creation, legal approval by planning authorities, and recording with land registries. Regulation concerns include minimum lot sizes, frontage, setbacks, access, utilities, drainage, and environmental constraints. Successful loting results in coherent development patterns and enables market transactions.

In commerce and logistics, loting means grouping products into lots for production, storage, shipping, or auction. Lot sizes are determined by product type, handling requirements, and market practices. In inventory management, a lot represents a batch with a common production run or expiry date, used for tracking and quality control. In auctions or sales, lots are discrete units offered as a single item or collection.

In governance or cultural practice, drawing lots is a method of making a random selection to allocate opportunities or resolve ties. The practice has historical and contemporary applications in decision-making, sports registration, and prize draws.